Tributes to ‘kindest of souls,' 20, killed in horror ‘quad bike crash' as five arrested & murder probe launched
Ethan Powell tragically died after the horror unfolded on a stretch of road between Rhymney and Dowlais, in Merthyr Tydfil, on May 31.
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Officers were called to the incident at around 4.50am and pronounced the youngster dead at the scene.
Ethan's devastated family have now paid tribute to their son.
'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, as a family, can confirm the passing of our much loved and cherished son Ethan," they said in a statement shared by Gwent Police.
'Ethan had the kindest of souls, the biggest of hearts and enough love to give to absolutely anyone he came across in life.
"He was the funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room.
'He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella with our family remembering him every second of every day.
'Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him.
'We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support which we have had since Saturday.
'It brings a bit of comfort to see how loved and well thought of he really was, but we would now like to ask for privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss to our family.'
'Ethan; forever 20, forever loved.'
It comes as police have arrested five people in connection with Ethan's death.
A 43-year-old man, from Tredegar, and a 34-year-old man, from Pontypridd, were both arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.
They remain in police custody.
A Merthyr man, 41, was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.
He has been released on conditional bail as investigations continue.
However he was recalled to prison in connection with an unrelated enquiry.
Another Merthyr man, 40, was detained on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving while unfit through drugs.
A second man, 37 and from Merthyr also, was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.
Both were released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector for Gwent Police, Matthew Edwards, the senior investigating officer, said on Tuesday: "We're keen to speak to anyone who was travelling along the A465 between the hours of 2am and 5am on Saturday morning, especially motorists with dashcam, as they could have details that might assist our enquiries.
"It is still our view that a second vehicle – a white BMW that was found burnt out in the Dowlais area – may have been involved in the collision. If you have any information about this car, then please get in touch.
A spokesperson for the force added: "Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to call 101, contact us via our website or send us a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2500171434.
"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information by calling 0800 555 111 or going to their website to report online in confidence."
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